A NEW police office at Buckie has been officially opened by the chief constable of Grampian Police.

Colin McKerracher paid a visit to the coastal town today to see Moray House, on East Cathcart Street, first hand.

The project’s completion means the local policing team will be settled into their new premises when Scotland moves to a single police force in the coming weeks.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Buckie local policing team Inspector, Louise Blakelock, said: "As part of our policing model we promised our communities that we would forge closer links with them. Listening to and acting upon their concerns has a huge role to play in that.

"The feedback has been absolutely clear – the community wants a policing presence right at the heart of the community which is what the new office delivers. The old office was no longer fit for purpose and we should see an immediate benefit as our officers are able to take advantage of this facility."

Chief Constable McKerracher said the move reinforced Grampian Police's policy of bringing local policing to the heart of communities.

"Most importantly, it will serve both the force and Buckie area well for years to come," he said.